3) разными судьбами — "with different fates" is a much too literal translation. These people are "from different walks of life," "from different backgrounds," even, colloquially, "all kinds of people."

4) к больничному обслуживанию предъявляют особые требования — they are demanding, insistent, "tough customers." The verb предъявляют is easily subsumed into any of these expressions and does not require literal translation.

5) нет для этого материальной базы — "material base" does not mean anything in English. He means, quite simply, that he does not have the money or the funds for this.

6) сами, наверное, оценили — the tone here is obviously sarcastic.

"Assess" or "evaluate" is much too formal. "You've probably been through that" or "seen for yourself' is what is meant.

7) нет в помине — again, this is very colloquial. "Not one in sight," or even "forget it" will get the concept across.

8) еще куда ни шло — this idiom can be translated as "is still livable," "is still bearable," meaning that though the situation is not good there are far worse situations.

9) давно считается — what is important here is the verb tense. This cannot be translated by a simple or compound present tense, as this is action begun in the past and continued into the present. "Has always/long/been considered prestigious" would be a good translation.

10) только по блату — the closest English translation is "to have connections," or, colloquially, "to have pull." "You have to know someone" will also do;

a very colloquial expression is "to have an in with someone."

1!) за лечение необходимо платить — the word необходимо does not require separate translation, as "you have to pay" covers that. "It is necessary to pay" is formal and awkward.

12) зарабатывающим деньги на несчастьях своего ближнего — while the idea here is that of "making money off someone else," or more formally, at someone else's expense, the use of "neighbor" keeps the biblical nuance of ближнего.

14) отечественная система — "The Russian system" or "The system in our country" are clear renditions of this phrase..

15) нашего человека — this has to be rephrased if it is to make any sense in English. "Our people," or "Russians" will do, but the plural must be used.

16) не по карману — "no one can afford that" or "afford to shell/fork out that kind of money" will do. Or, simply, "that's just too expensive."

17) широкий человек — a seemingly simple, but quite tricky phrase. The idea here is one of generosity, of living well but not in a selfish sense.

"Broad" or "open" will not work. "I like to help out" or "I'm pretty generous" gets the idea across.

18) не очень большое застолье — застолье is one of those culturally determined concepts which always creates a headache for the translator/interpreter. This needs rephrasing: "a small get-together," or "having a few people over" is adequate. "Wining and dining" implies going out to a restaurant, not entertaining at home.

19) сумасшедшие деньги — "it costs an arm and a leg," or "a (small) fortune" are common colloquialisms in English for this. "It breaks the bank" is even more informal.

20) не могу — "I can't" is not a good translation, because the issue here is not one of being physically unable to take public transportation, but rather of not wanting to do so. Hence "I won't" or "don't" are needed here, not "I can't."

21) одна надежда на спонсоров — "the only hope is for sponsors" is a bit awkward;

"our only hope" is much better. Or, "The only way out for us is to find sponsors."

22) замкнутый круг — is best translated by the idiom "a vicious circle" rather than by a "closed circle." This is an English idiom which has lost the original meaning of "vicious" as brutal or cruel.

23) это почему-то порицалось — the idea is not so much one of rejection, as of criticism.

24) в один прекрасный день плюнуть на эту муторную жизнь — this phrase needs some reworking, as a literal translation would be both s i l l y and incomprehensible. "Throw in the towel" or "walk away from it all" would be good equivalents.

— Athletes... Ballet performers... circus performers. Different kinds of people with different lives and different injuries. During the years of its existence our clinic has treated Maya Plisetskaya and Valery Kharlamov, Vladimir Vasiliev and Olga Korbut...We've seen nearly all the players of the USSR hockey, football and gymnastics teams, and well known movie stars. Sports and art go together not just because they always involve spurts of creativity, and improvisation.

— We don't have the funds for that. Most of the wards are for 4—5 people, our operating room is under repair, so we have to use other facilities, the food...What kind of food can you have in a hospital nowadays! You've probably seen that for yourself.

— Been through it. And not Just the food. I asked the nurse far a bandaid, and she threw up her hands: forget it.

There's a real shortage of gauze bandages, and cotton, let alone medicines. And in Moscow you can still put up with the situation...

— And yet your clinic has always been considered prestigious. People say you can only get in here through pull.

— Well, I'd rather say that it was specialized, intended for people with specific kinds of trauma. Now we accept anyone. There's only one condition, unfortunately: you have to pay for treatment.

— And would you like to become the owner of a private clinic ?

— Sure.

— You 're not afraid you 'd be called a big cheese, someone making money at the next guy's expense?

— I ' m afraid, even though I ' m already 44, I won't live to see that day. And, you know, the Russian system, which is great at throwing around terms like that at western medicine, has gotten our people, particularly when they get sick, to the point where today they're afraid to go to the doctor, and they're even more scared of ending up in the hospital. No one can afford that kind of money.

— You don't feel humiliated by your own situation — and your own financial situation!

— What does that mean, "don't feel humiliated?" I ' m pretty ge nerous, I like to help out my acquaintances and friends, have people over. But you know that nowadays costs a fortune. And I've got one shortcoming — I don't take public transportation to work, because I always want to get to the clinic, especially when I've got to operate, feeling crisp and clean. And gas nowadays... Well, to sum it up, materially, I'm far from being in the situation of a "pre-revolutionary" professor.

And it's not just a question of personal tastes and preferences. For example, in Spain from May 25—29 there's going to be the first world congress on sports injuries. You'd think that we — the representatives of a clinic which has gained unique experience over the years — would be the obvious people to go. We prepared for it, we received invitations. But the flight for me and my assistant would set us back about $4,000. Where is that going to come from? And the congress is bringing together the best specialists from all over, there's a chance to get unique information, make new contacts. Our only hope is for sponsors. God willing, we'll find some.— So the popular saying is right:

it's better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick ?

— Yes, today you're better off not getting sick. What's going on in medicine is in fact reflecting more general processes. For example, while Moscow clinics have always had a huge flow of patients coming from other cities, today there are a lot less. To come to the capital for treatment you need a lot of money: to cover the trip, housing, food, treatment. Today many children's hospitals have been forced to practically halve the number of beds. And now we need to think not just about how to render a person professional assistance, but how to ease his desperate financial plight. For example, if we're talking about traumas, theoretically a fracture of any degree of complexity, even any compound fracture, can be treated at home. But we're forced after virtually every operation to keep the patient in the clinic, because there's literally no place to discharge him, and there are no ambulatory rehabilitation centers. For those you need buildings, money... It's a vicious circle.

— To solve all these pressing problems you probably have to be not just a talented doctor, but also a talented administrator. Do you have that in you ?

— I learned a lot from my mother. She had to both see patients and run the clinic single-handed, and that involves hundreds of problems.

— Sergei Pavlovich, sorry for a banal question. Are you happy?

— I think so. I love my work, I have bright colleagues, friends, my family, my son is growing up...

— How old is he?

— Going on seven.

— Would you like him to follow in your footsteps ? After all, you 've got, so to speak, a family business going... Zoya Sergeevna ran the clinic, now you 're doing it....

— Well, I ' m for family businesses. In the past that for some reason was criticized, but 1 don't see anything shameful about it.

When your children grow up, and if they grow up normal, if they're not mental defectives why not pass on to them the thing to which their parents have devoted their lives and energy. But it certainly takes a lot out of you.

— But one fine clay wouldn't you feel like throwing in the towel and going off, well, abroad? Don't you have offers — someone of your talent and skills ?

*** Mr. President, First of all, Mr. President, please accept our congratulations/ we/should like to congratulate you/extend our congratulations on your election to this important/distinguished post. The Russian delegation/ shares the general desire for a productive session/like other delegations hopes our session will be productive/and will/in all possible ways/do everything possible/all in its power/to promote the/success of/successful conclusion/achievement of/your important task/agenda/ objective.

Russia for the most part/on the whole/approves of/assesses positively/looks favorably on/the continuation of/the developments in/ progress of/the implementation of the decisions of the UN conference on the environment and development of 1992. There has been a clearer identification/highlighting/demarcation/of priority areas/ priorities/and pressing/urgent/relevant/problems concerning/regarding the environment and in ensuring/achieving sustainable development.

There are already in effect/we already see in operation the global conventions produced/ drawn up/initiated in Rio de Janeiro on climate change and biodiversity, and conditions are being established/created for the launching/start of new mechanisms for/ international legal regulation in the ecological sphere/area of the environment.

The concept of stable development adopted in Rio has been fleshed out/supplemented through the holding of subsequent UN fora on issues/problems of population, population centers, food security, social development, and enhancing the role of women. This has established/created a good/reliable/solid/basis/foundation for global partnership to bring about/for sustainable development.

A good deal/much/has been done, but there have not yet been qualitative changes/moves towards improving the earth's ecology.

There is still a threat of further deterioration of the state of the planet's environment. This is shown/demonstrated/attested to/by the assessments recently prepared by authoritative international organizations and research-scientific institutes on the ecological situation in the world and (its) future prospects/perspectives for the future/given the continuation/maintenance of present economic models.

The major challenge to (efforts to achieve) sustainable development is being posed/raised by/technological innovations in economics in conditions of galloping/lightning/globalization and growing anthropogenic/human/pressure on nature, while modern civilization has no alternative which could in fact/truly/replace the regulating mechanisms of the biosphere.

This forum must/is being called on to provide an impetus for/to stimulate/international environmental cooperation. It must focus on the elimination of existing gaps and shortcomings. These include the establishment of the best possible/optimal conditions for the transfer of ecologically safe technologies, more stable and predictable availability of/provision of resources to environmental projects/ activities, the development of work to draw up/produce a convention on the preservation and rational use of forest resources, etc.

Russia in today's difficult conditions/circumstances is doing all in its power/everything possible/to support the efforts of the international community to resolve these high priority global problems. An edict of the President of the Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, of I April 1996 defines the substance of our concept of the country's transition to sustainable development. We are unswervingly fulfilling our obligations under/strictly complying with/carrying out to the letter/the convention on climate change and the preservation of biological diversity, and are actively participating in other international efforts to bring about real/implement in practice/realize the words and deeds of/concept and practice of/sustainable development.

The foundation of/our approach to sustainable development/is stems from/Our approach to sustainable development is based on/ Russia's special responsibility for the ecology of the planet. Our impact on the global environment is a major one/extremely significant on an absolute scale, and also regarding the results produced as compared to other technologically advanced states. Russia possesses/has the (planet's) largest mass of natural ecosystems/on the planet, which serve/act as a reserve for the stability of the global biosphere.

The transition of our country to a market economic system and the fundamental/radical efforts for the/to bring/at bringing about the/social transformation of society/allow to/bring about/promote greater/more/enhance responsibility for the state of the environment ecology/climate/during the process of the implementation of economic reform, for a more flexible combination of measures of state regulation with economic mechanisms.

We attach great significance to the strengthening of cooperation to counteract/resist the depletion of the earth's ozone layer, which is fraught with/which risks/which may have tragic/dramatic consequences for mankind and for the biosphere.

Russia is interested in full-fledged participation in the Convention against desertification. Practical action/steps/real measures here/in this field will follow after the drawing up and adoption of an additional annex to the Convention, reflecting the specific conditions of countries with a transition economy.

We believe that the time is ripe/there is a need for/a speedy beginning of/to begin immediately/the negotiating process to produce an international-legal instrument on forests. We are aware of/ acknowledge the consequences of/damage caused by wasteful use of/the squandering of natural resources, and here/therefore believe that a highest priority objective/task is the restructuring of the energy sector.

As a country/which has forests/with forests/which account for/ one-fifth of all the large forests of the earth, Russia is extremely interested in/concerned for the rational use of and preservation of forests for the needs of our descendants and for all mankind. Forests are not only a resource for economic development but also the "lungs" which absorb, inter alia, those very gases which cause the greenhouse effect and threaten to destabilize the climate system.

(Due) Attention must also be paid to/focused on such fundamentally/ basically important questions as the quality of global drinking water resources;

the preservation of the ecosystems of the World ocean;

the comprehensive development of energy resources and ecological transportation;

urbanization and food security.

We understand/are aware/that all these problems cannot be solved right away/right off/at one blow/, but our joint effectiveness/our joint effective actions/can and must be stepped up/intensified, by/ through unfailing/full and careful/rigorous/scrupulous/concern for the interests and genuine potential/actual/realistic possibilities/potential of all groups of states.

Thank you, Mr. President.

This text is packed with words and phrases which can be condensed or omitted, and many clauses require rephrasing. It also includes some useful and very common ecological terms which the student is well advised to learn.

Комментарии:

1) уважаемый господин председатель — since the speaker is addressing the President of the UN General Assembly, this is "Mr. President" and not "Mr. Chairman." Уважаемый should always be omitted when addressing the Chairman/President at the beginning of a speech.

2) общий настрой на продуктивную работу сессии — to save time, the interpreter can simply say, "Hopes our session will be successful" or "productive," which is all this basically means.

3) вашей ответственной миссии — "mission" should be avoided, and the literal translation "responsible" does not work for ответственной.

"Important task" or "agenda" gets the point across.

4) в целом позитивно оценивает ход осуществления решений — "has a positive assessment" is cliched and awkward. "Approves of is what is meant. "Ход" does not have to be translated as "course;

" the idea is one of developments or continuation of implementation.

5) приоритетные направления — "high priority" is clearer than "priority" here, and nine times out of ten направление is "area" rather than "direction." Актуальные as а "ложный друг переводчика" should be rendered as relevant or pressing, rather than "actual." В области can easily be omitted.

6) устойчивого развития — while устойчивый often means "stable," устойчивое развитие has become the accepted rendering of "sustainable development," and is always translated as such.

7) укрепления роли женщин — since this is the last clause in the sentence it needs "and" before it. If the interpreter fails to insert that, he can always say, once he realizes that the sentence has come to an end, "enhancing the role of women, — etc./and other issues."

8) заложена солидная основа — a good or reliable foundation has been laid is what is meant.

32) благодарю за внимание — don't spoil the impression created by an excellent interpretation by mumbling something about "for your attention." This is not a first grade classroom of students "paying attention" to the teacher, and "thank you for your attention" does not work in English. Just "I thank you" is fine.

Premier V.S. Chernomyrdin, Statement at the 19th Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Environmental Protection, (Читается с американским акцентом) Mr. President, First of all, Mr. President, we should like to extend our congra tulations on your election to this important post. The Russian delegation shares the general desire for a productive session and will do everything possible to promote the successful conclusion of your important agenda objective.

Russia on the whole approves of the continuation of the implementation of the decisions of the UN conference on the environment and development of 1992. There has been a clearer identification of priority areas and pressing problems concerning the environment and in ensuring sustainable development. We already see in operation the global conventions drawn up in Rio de Janeiro on climate change and biodiversity, and conditions are being established for the launching of new mechanisms for international legal regulation in the area of the environment.

The concept of stable development adopted in Rio has been fleshed out through the holding of subsequent UN fora on problems of population, population centers, food security, social development, and enhancing the role of women. This has established a reliable foundation for global partnership for sustainable development.

Much has been done, but there have not yet been qualitative changes towards improving the earth's ecology. There is still a threat of further deterioration of the state of the planet's environment. This is shown by the assessments recently prepared by authoritative international organizations and research-scientific institutes on the ecological situation in the world and future prospects, given the maintenance of present economic models.

The major challenge to sustainable development is being posed by technological innovations in economics in conditions of lightning globalization and growing human pressure on nature, while modern civilization has no alternative which could in fact replace the regula ting mechanisms of the biosphere.

This forum must provide an impetus to stimulate international environmental cooperation. It must focus on the elimination of existing gaps and shortcomings. These include the establishment of the best possible conditions for the transfer of ecologically safe technologies, more stable and predictable availability of resources to environmental projects, the development of work to produce a convention on the preservation and rational use of forest resources, etc.

Russia in today's difficult conditions is doing all in its power to support the efforts of the international community to resolve these high priority global problems. An edict of the President of the Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, of 1 April 1996 defines the substance of our concept of the country's transition to sustainable development. We are strictly complying with the convention on climate change and the preservation of biological diversity, and are actively participating in other international efforts to realize the concept and practice of sustainable development.

The foundation of our approach to sustainable development stems from Russia's special responsibility for the ecology of the planet. Our impact on the global environment is extremely significant on an absolute scale, and also regarding the results produced as compared to other technologically advanced states. Russia possesses the largest mass of natural ecosystems on the planet, which act as a reserve for the stability of the global biosphere.

The transition of our country to a market economic system and the fundamental efforts at bringing about the social transformation of society allow for increased responsibility for the state of the environment during the process of the implementation of economic reform, for a more flexible combination of measures of state regulation with economic mechanisms.

We attach great significance to the strengthening of cooperation to counteract the depletion of the earth's ozone layer, which is fraught with tragic dramatic consequences for mankind and for the biosphere.

Russia is interested in full-fledged participation in the Convention against desertification. Practical measures here will follow after the drawing up and adoption of an additional annex to the Convention, reflecting the specific conditions of countries with a transition economy.

We believe that the time is ripe to begin immediately the negotiating process to produce an international-legal instrument on forests. We are aware of the consequences of damage caused by the squandering of natural resources and therefore believe that a highest priority objective is the restructuring of the energy sector.

As a country with forests which account for one-fifth of all the large forests of the earth, Russia is extremely concerned for the rational use of and preservation of forests for the needs of our descendants and for all mankind. Forests are not only a resource for economic development but also the "lungs" which absorb, inter alia, those very gases which cause the greenhouse effect and threaten to destabilize the climate system.

Attention must also be paid to such fundamentally important questions as the quality of global drinking water resources;

the preservation of the ecosystems of the World ocean;

the comprehensive development of energy resources and ecological transportation;

urbanization and food security.

We understand that all these problems cannot be solved right away, but our joint effectiveness can and must be stepped up through full and rigorous concern for the interests and genuine potential of all groups of states.

*** Mr. President, Allow/Permit me/May I/associate myself with/join the/ congratulations extended to you/also congratulate you/on your election to this distinguished/important/major/post. Allow me also to express my/our confidence/certainty that your extensive/abundant/wealth of professional and personal experience, along with/together with/your great diplomatic skill/skill as a diplomat will promote/advance/active/ lively/creative dialogue and fruitful discussions, leading to/resulting in/ (the drawing up of) specific measures and recommendations to achieve the far-reaching/lofty/noble/ambitious goals/objectives of Rio.

The conference in Rio de Janeiro reaffirmed that socio-economic development and environmental protection are closely connected/ linked and interdependent. Within the context/framework of/effective policy they must be considered together/jointly/in tandem. The conference also demonstrated/showed/proved/that new ecological/ environmental threats: depletion of the ozone layer, changes in the global climate, a decline in fresh water supplies, deforestation, the decline in biodiversity, environmental pollution, industrial and radioactive wastes, the spread/encroachment of the desert/ desertification and other problems have become more critical/ dramatic/drastic and require immediate solutions/their solution brooks no delay/is urgent. States-parties to/states which participated in the conference emphasized/stressed/underlined that a solution to the problems of the environment and development require (the creation/establishment of) new forms of partnership relations: global partnership on the basis of an ongoing/ continuing/permanent/ unbroken and constructive dialogue, predicated on/resulting from the need to create a more effective and just world economy which takes into account/takes due account of/is fully aware of/fully acknowledges the interdependence of the community of nations and the high priority of/attached to the problem/issue/question of sustainable development.

The conference also took a decision to call attention to the enormous/great/highest priority importance of mountains/mountain ranges for mankind and to propose to the UN General Assembly the declaration of the International Mountain Year. This request was supported by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Akaev. I wish to express /voice the hope, that this request will be backed by/meet with the approval of/will be taken up by/both governments and non governmental organizations, and by various regional and subregional groups/initiatives/associations.

Mountains account for/occupy/one-fifth of all dry land, and at least 10 per cent of the world's population live here/in these regions, and are dependent on mountain resources. An even greater part of the population uses/makes use of other mountain resources, especially water. The glaciers located on mountain peaks are the basic sources of fresh water. A shortage of water together with a lack of other natural resources leads to an intensification/aggravation of poverty, intensifies social strife, and leads to a growth of ethnic tensions and, consequently, to the outbreak/emergence of armed conflicts. It is no accident that/it is not fortuitous that 48 armed conflicts took place in 1995, and that 26 occurred/took place in mountainous regions.

Mountains are often the site of ecological disturbances and natural disasters. Earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches not only inflict on/ cause/do serious damage to the economy of mountainous regions, but also claim thousands of victims/kill thousands of people/cause thousands of casualties/annually. On the other hand, mountains provide superb/outstanding opportunities/possibilities/for the development of tourism, skiing, mountain climbing and hunting.

The government of the Kyrgyz Republic attaches great/the highest/importance to questions of ecology. The development of natural resources/nature/is the major focus/thrust/primary area/of national strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for sustainable human development. In November, 1995 we adopted a National Plan for environmental protection.

Mountains cover 90% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Glaciers high up on/thousands of feet above/the Pamir and Tien-Shan peaks nourish/feed/the rivers of the Amu Darya and the Sir Darya, which are the major water sources for the Aral Sea. With its enormous water and renewable hydroenergy resources, Kyrgyzstan is truly the ecological heart/center of Central Asia. For that heart to keep on beating, however, its health must be carefully monitored/it must take care of its health/it must stay healthy.

The law of the Kyrgyz Republic on environmental protection stipulates/lays down/spells out/the responsibility of industrial enterprises for environmental pollution as a result of emissions into the atmosphere, sewage runoff into reservoirs, and disposal of solid waste. This provision is also applicable to chemical and radioactive toxic substances. Now/currently/at the present time work is underway on a law of the Kyrgyz Republic on radiation safety for the population.

Mr. President, The last/past five years have been marked by/continue to reveal/ to display a deterioration of the global environment and the exhaustion/depletion of natural resources. The popular saying goes/ Popular wisdom has it that "He who climbs the mountain will master the road/reach his journey's end." Only a brave/courageous and persistent/determined person can conquer mountain peaks. Only the persistent joint efforts and resources of governments, non governmental organizations, the private sector, international, subregional, and regional organizations and initiatives will lead to/ result in the implementation of the farsighted goals of the agenda for the 21st century — and we are now standing on its threshold.

This text makes use of a good many ecological terms frequently encountered in materials on the environment, a subject which is becoming of ever greater concern in today's world.

Комментарии:

1) позвольте мне присоединиться к поздравлениям, высказанным в Ваш адрес в связи с избранием на этот высокий и ответственный пост — this is an excellent example of "flowers" in an introduction. The interpreter knows virtually from the very first words what will follow, and it is not worth wasting time looking for the best possible adjective. "Allow me also to congratulate you on your election to this important post" is quite adequate.

2) помноженное на высокое дипломатическое искусство — all that по множенное requires here is "along with" or "together with." Anything on the order of "compounded by" will simply sound silly.

3) живому диалогу — the idea is an active or lively exchange of views.

4) которые приведут к выработке — this is a good candidate for judicious cutting;

"discussions leading to specific measures" is the point being made.

5) грандиозных целей Рио — the reference is to the Rio de Janeiro conference on the environment. "Grandiose" sounds insulting, as though unrealistic goals are being set. "Ambitious" or "far-ranging" come closer to the meaning, 6) и другие стали более острыми и их решение не терпит отлагатель ства —there are a lot of extra words here. These problems, basically, "have become more serious and require immediate solution." Even shorter would be "these ever more urgent problems require immediate solution."

7) государства — участники конференции — when talking about a treaty, государства-участники are always "states-parties," not participants. In reference to a conference, however, they can be either.

8) с учетом — this does not have to be translated as "which takes into account..." An expression such as "fully acknowledges" is much shorter.

Simply "recognizes the need" would also be a good solution.

9) найдет отклик — this requires a bit of rephrasing. "Will find favor with" is too old-fashioned. The basic idea is that it will meet with the approval of or be backed by others. "Response" or "reaction" as a translation for отклик could lead to an awkward sentence, such as "will be reacted to favorably by..."

10) в них проживает — even shorter, though requiring some restructuring is "They are home to at least ten per cent of the world's population, who are dependent on mountain resources."

11) не случайно — the simplest way out of this one is probably the much used "It is not fortuitous that," which sounds better in English than "it is no accident that." In some contexts "It is with good reason that" can be used, though here that docs not work.

12) центральное направление — here a literal interpretation should be avoided. The point is that this is the "major focus" or "thrust" of national strategy. "Central" does not work well, and while "area" is a possibility for направление, it is a bit too broad in this context.

13) дают жизнь — this also needs to be rephrased. "Feed" or "nourish" are short and clear;

anything with "life" will sound pompous and too formal.

14) это положение распространяется — the notion is that this law is applicable to/valid for other items. "Extends to" does not work well.

15) повестки дня на XXI век, на пороге которого мы стоим — this is a syntactically tricky phrase. The formal name of the UN document, "По вестка дня на XXI век," is actually just "Agenda 21." Here, however, век must be translated, because of the second half of the sentence. "On the threshold of which we are standing" is very awkward;

hence "we are now (standing) on its threshold" is a possible solution.

11Я Representative of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan on the Environment (UN, 1997) (Читается с американским акцептом) Mr. President, Allow me also to congratulate you on your election to this important post and to express my confidence that your extensive professional and personal experience, together with your great diplomatic skill will advance creative dialogue and fruitful discussions, leading to specific measures and recommendations to achieve the ambitious objectives of Rio.

The conference in Rio de Janeiro reaffirmed that socio-economic development and environmental protection are closely connected and interdependent. Within the context of effective policy they must be considered in tandem. The conference also demonstrated that new ecological threats: depletion of the ozone layer, changes in the global climate, a decline in fresh water supplies, deforestation, the decline in biodiversity, environmental pollution, industrial and radioactive wastes, the spread of desertification and other problems have become more critical and require immediate solutions. States which participated in the conference emphasized that a solution to the problems of the environment and development require new forms of partnership: global partnership on the basis of an ongoing and constructive dialogue, predicated on the need to create a more effective and just world economy which fully acknowledges the interdependence of the community of nations and the high priority attached to the issue of sustainable development.

The conference also took a decision to call attention to the highest priority importance of mountains for mankind, and to propose to the UN General Assembly the declaration of the International Mountain Year. This request was supported by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Akaev. I wish to express the hope that this request will be backed by both governments and non-governmental organizations, and by various regional and subregional groups.

Mountains account for one-fifth of all dry land, and at least 10 per cent of the world's population live here, and are dependent on mountain resources. An even greater part of the population uses other mountain resources, especially water. The glaciers located on mountain peaks are the basic sources of fresh water. A shortage of water together with a lack of other natural resources leads to an aggravation of poverty, intensifies social strife, and leads to a growth of ethnic tensions and, consequently, to the outbreak of armed conflicts. It is not fortuitous that 48 armed conflicts took place in 1995, and that 26 occurred in mountainous regions. Mountains are often the site of ecological disturbances and natural disasters.

Earthquakes, landslides and avalanches not only cause serious damage to the economy of mountainous regions, but also kill thousands of people annually. On the other hand, mountains provide superb opportunities for the development of tourism, skiing, mountain climbing and hunting.

The government of the Kyrgyz Republic attaches great importance to questions of ecology. The development of natural resources is the major focus of national strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for sustainable human development. In November, 1995 we adopted a National Plan for environmental protection.

Mountains cover 90% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Glaciers high above the Pamir and Tien-Shan peaks nourish the rivers of the Amu Darya and the Sir Darya, which are the major water sources for the Aral Sea. With its enormous water and renewable hydroenergy resources, Kyrgyzstan is truly the ecological center of Central Asia.

For that heart to keep on beating, however, its health must be carefully monitored.

The law of the Kyrgyz Republic on environmental protection sti pulates the responsibility of industrial enterprises for environmental pollution resulting from emissions into the atmosphere, sewage runoff into reservoirs, and of solid waste disposal. This provision is also applicable to chemical and radioactive toxic substances. Currently work is underway on a law of the Kyrgyz Republic on radiation safety for the population.

Mr. President, The last five years have been marked by a deterioration of the global environment and the depletion of natural resources. Popular wisdom has it that "He who climbs the mountain will reach his journey's end." Only a brave and determined person can conquer mountain peaks. Only the persistent joint efforts and resources of governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, international, subregional, and regional organizations and initiatives will lead to the implementation of the farsighted goals of the agenda for the 21st century — and we are now standing on its threshold.

*** Madam Chairwoman, Population issues are one of the most important/crucial/аге among the most important priorities of the government of the Russian Federation, since/because in recent years the demographic situation in our country/has been in a state of crisis/can with reason be called critical/has deteriorated badly. The major elements/factors are: the deterioration in/worsening of/the health of and an unprecedented rise in the mortality of the population, in particular for people of working age, a sharp drop/decline in the number of births, the continuation/ maintenance of a/downward trend/decline/in life expectancy, particularly among men, a rise in/increase in general and in age-specific/ age related morbidity given/due to/along with greater/an increase in/ forced migration, aging and an absolute decline/reduction in the numbers of the population.

The demographic crisis has been caused by/has resulted from/is caused by a number of factors, including/compounded by/consisting of/ in addition to a global/worldwide/long-term trend towards a decline in the birth rate with/and a trend specific to Russia of a rise in mortality and a reduction in life expectancy. A direct impact/influence on population processes is being exerted by the socio-economic situation in the country/Population processes ("development" can be omitted) are subject to the effects of the country's socio-economic situation./ The socio-economic situation in the country is having a direct impact on the processes of population development.

Russia has already reached the point of depopulation/crossed the line where depopulation begins. A natural decline as the major indicator of demographic problems began emerging/was noted/for the country as a whole from the end of 1990 on/starting at the end of 1990. From 1993-96 a natural decline in the population was noted/ observed/recorded/in 69 regions of the country, while/though/ten years ago such phenomena were observed only in three regions of Russia.

Reproduction of the population in Russia is at such a low level that it does not even provide for/ensure/result in/produce that simple reproduction of the population needed for numerical replacement of the generation of parents by their children. This is borne out/attested to/shown/proved by the net coefficient of reproduction of the population required for numerical replacement of the parents' generation by their children. (While) in 1989 it was at 0,593, in it/the figure/was 0.603.

Regarding/concerning/as for mortality factors, Russia's experience backs/confirms/the conclusion as to a general shift in the ranking of mortality causes/factors/from infectious diseases towards non-infectious chronic and acquired diseases, primarily/predominantly/mostly/ cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors. The largest/greatest/ number of people in Russia are dying from circulatory illnesses. And/it is/It is in fact/precisely/the changes in mortality from cardiovascular diseases which are exerting a decisive impact/impacting decisively on general mortality. In recent years as the result of a strong new upward trend, mortality from accidents, poisoning and trauma among the population of working age, in particular/primarily/men, for the first time has exceeded mortality from cancer and is one of the negative factors/features/of the demographic situation in Russia.

Moreover/at the same time/however, mortality in Russia from infectious diseases is mainly/primarily due to tuberculosis, which in various years has accounted for from 70 to 90% of all deaths from infectious diseases among men and from 40-70% among women.

An important role in the development of this situation is being played by/can be attributed to/the behavioral factor, which in turn depends on policy (designed) to promote a healthy life style.

Several positive changes/developments in 1995-97 have not yet/as of now/resulted/led to/changes in the general trend/have not changed the general trend. In particular, there has been an increase in male mortality, making it one of the highest rates in the world/There has been a particularly striking growth — and now one of the highest rates in the world is that of male mortality. Child and maternal mortality continues to remain at a high level/There continued to be a high level of child and maternal mortality.

Back in 1995/Already in 1995/starting in 1995/there were signs of an increase in life expectancy: among men and women it has gradually been rising/there has been a gradual rise among men and women, 59.8 years for men and 72.5 for women.

There has been the beginning of the emergence/We have seen the beginnings of/There has been a start of/encouraging trends through a drop in infant mortality: in 1996 the coefficient for infant mortality was 17.4, and in 1997 - 16.9 cases per 1000 births.

The available/existing data, however, do not allow for an appropriate/proper/accurate determination of the length, intensity, regional differentiation, structure and consequences of the demographic crisis and the impact on it of external factors.

A vital/critically important/crucial/objective/task here is to obtain/extract/produce/true and reliable information in the field of population. An extremely important source of such information is the census. Here/in this connection/in this context we would like to support/back the idea/notion that without reliable statistical data and indicators it is impossible to formulate/make/draw up proper policy in the field of population.

In formulating Russia's demographic policy the government is attempting/trying to increase/expand the number/range of its partners, and is actively involving in this work (inter alia) social/public organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Thank you.

In addition to some specific demographic terms, which tend to appear frequently these days in texts at conferences, this speech contains a number of tricky syntactic problems. It also provides useful training in writing down numbers.

Комментарии:

1) занимают одно из высших мест — can easily be reduced to "is one of the most important priorities" or "is one of the most important things," or simply, "is of great importance."

5) к которым наряду — rather than getting bogged down in a long sentence, the interpreter can say "including" and proceed with the list of fee tors.

6) непосредственное влияние на процессы развития народонаселения оказывает социально-экономическая ситуация в стране — if the interpreter has the text, the best solution is to invert the syntax and to begin with "The socio-economic situation in the country is having/exerting a direct impact." Otherwise, "A direct impact is being exerted" is a safe solution.

7) Россия переступила черту — this expression is quite frequent in the language of social discourse. "Has reached the point" is a safe choice when the interpreter does not know what will follow.

8) что не обеспечивает даже — "it does not even produce/maintain" is an easier way out than "ensure."

9) об этом свидетельствует — this should be translated as a nominative subject: "This is proved/shown/by..."

10) если — this can be omitted, and the sentence can read "In 1989 it was at" or, "In 1989 it was at, but..."

11) что касается — "as for" is probably the shortest solution.

12) именно — the important thing is that this is emphatic. The interpreter's voice can get the point across with a simple, stressed "and" — "and the changes..." If there is time, however, "It is in fact," will do.

17) от политики по пропаганде — the word "propaganda" is a highly loaded one in English. This is better rendered as "policy designed to promote" or "a campaign designed to promote," rather than as "propaganda," which has very negative connotations.

18) особенно выросла и стала одной из самых высоких в мире мужская смертность — if the interpreter does not have a text and therefore cannot know that the subject will be мужская смертность, he can begin with "There has been an increase" or "In particular, there has been an increase" which will open the way to a smooth sentence structure.

19) на высоком уровне продолжают оставаться — is another example of the same type of sentence. The interpreter who does not have the text can begin with "There is" or "There continues to be a high level..."

20) начали просматриваться — also needs a subject: "there has been" or "We have seen," if the interpreter does not have a text, which would allow him to say, "An encouraging trend of/towards/a drop in infant mortality has been emerging."

21) имеющиеся — can be rendered as "available" or "existing," or can simply be omitted, i.e. "The data, however, do not allow for..."

22) важнейшей задачей — the interpreter should not be tempted by the superlative form to start talking about "the most important task." "A vitally important/crucial" will do it. And remember that "task" often refers to practical matters;

here "objective" is a good solution.

23) в этом контексте — like "в этой связи," this can often be translated as "here."

24) круга — the interpreter should not blindly translate this as "circle," since "range" or "number" is more appropriate and less narrow.

National Experience with Population Issues (UN, 1998) (Читается с американским акцептом) Madam Chairwoman, Population issues are one of the most important priorities of the government of the Russian Federation, since in recent years the demographic situation in our country has been in a state of crisis. The major factors are: the deterioration of health and an unprecedented rise in the mortality of the population, in particular for people of working age, a sharp drop in the number of births, the continuation of a downward trend in life expectancy, particularly among men, a rise in general and age-related morbidity due to an increase in forced migration, aging and an absolute reduction in the numbers of the population.

The demographic crisis has been caused by a number of factors, including a global long-term trend towards a decline in the birth rate, and a trend specific to Russia of a rise in mortality and a reduction in life expectancy. The socio-economic situation in the country is having a direct impact on the processes of population development.

Russia has already reached the point of depopulation. A natural decline as the major indicator of demographic problems was noted for the country as a whole, starting at the end of 1990. From 1993-96 a natural decline in the population was observed in 69 regions of the country, though ten years ago such phenomena were observed only in three regions of Russia.

Reproduction of the population in Russia is at such a low level that it does not even result in that simple reproduction of the population needed for numerical replacement of the generation of parents by their children. This is borne out by the net coefficient of reproduction of the population required for numerical replacement of the parents' generation by their children. While in 1989 it was at 0.593, in 1996 the figure was 0.603.

As for mortality factors, Russia's experience confirms the conclusion as to a general shift in the ranking of mortality causes from infectious diseases towards non-infectious chronic and acquired diseases, primarily cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors. The greatest number of people in Russia are dying from circulatory illnesses. And it is precisely the changes in mortality from cardiovascular diseases which are impacting decisively on general mortality. In recent years as the result of a strong new upward trend, mortality from accidents, poisoning and trauma among the population of working age, in particular men, for the first time has exceeded mortality from cancer and is one of the negative factors of the demographic situation in Russia.

Moreover, mortality in Russia from infectious diseases is mainly due to tuberculosis, which in various years has accounted for from to 90% of all deaths from infectious diseases among men and from 40 70% among women.

An important role in the development of this situation can be attributed to the behavioral factor, which in turn depends on policy designed to promote a healthy life style.

Several positive developments in 1995-97 have not yet changed the general trend. In particular, there has been an increase in male mortality, making it one of the highest rates in the world. There continued to be a high level of child and maternal mortality.

Starting in 1995 there were signs of an increase in life expectancy:

there has been a gradual rise among men and women, 59.8 years for men and 72.5 for women.

There has been a start of encouraging trends through a drop in infant mortality: in 1996 the coefficient for infant mortality was 17.4, and in 1997 - 16.9 cases per 1000 births.

The existing data, however, do not allow for an accurate determination of the length, intensity, regional differentiation, structure and consequences of the demographic crisis and the impact on it of external factors.

A vital objective here is to obtain true and reliable information in the field of population. An extremely important source of such information is the census. Here we would like to support the idea that without reliable statistical data and indicators it is impossible to formulate proper policy in the field of population.

In formulating Russia's demographic policy the government is attempting to expand the number of its partners, and is actively involving in this work (inter alia) public and non-governmental organizations.

*** Mr. Chairman, The recommendation contained in the Platform of Action of the Beijing Conference/That/Something/What is contained in the Platform of Action of the Beijing Conference, namely/that is/I mean/ I am referring to the recommendation/to adopt as soon as possible/in the very near future/national plans of action to improve the status of women, has the approval of/was approved by/meets with the approval of/the Russian Federation, where there already is a clear need to/where the need is evident/obvious/clear to draw up/produce/work out/for drawing up/producing/working out/new conceptual approaches to (the problem of) ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women in conditions of/during/the transition to a market economy.

The concept which was approved/adopted/That/Something which was approved/adopted in 1996, namely/I mean/that is/the concept for the improvement of the status of women became a document which laid the theoretical foundations/bases/and determined/defined the strategic goals for the activities of the government in implementing constitutional provisions regarding the equality of men and women in the Russian Federation.

The national plan of action adopted in August 1996 to improve the status of women and enhance their role in society by the year 2000 in turn has expanded and supplemented the provisions of the Concept through specific practical steps/actions/by state institutions to implement the goals/objectives it contains contained in it/its goals/objectives.